Nate Washington: Is it time to cut him loose?

Is it time to cut Nate Washington loose via release or trade? I say yes but reluctantly considering the stability he brought to the always shaky receiver corps. I know most of you will disagree with me but take the emotion out of being a Washington fan and be logical. The NFL is a cutthroat and ruthless business. No matter how much of a fan favorite Washington may be, when the time comes to do business, it's time. There should be no consideration for sentimental feelings, whatsoever. This organization has had a fairly successful track record of knowing when to let guys go. Here are the reasons why the Titans should no longer require Washington's services:

• He's getting older: Washington, bless his heart, has rendered the team many valuable years of service since coming over from the Steelers. It's time for the team to get younger and more athletic at the receiver position. The fact that they are looking at other options this year signal a philosophy change towards that trend. Another signal is the drafting of Kendall Wright in last year's draft.
• The thin skin diva attitude: Sure, he's grown out of his immaturity issues and developed into a team leader (unlike a certain Titans wideout currently on the roster) but the diva act constantly bubbles under the surface, just waiting to explode like it did when the story of him being allegedly shopped came out.
• The receiver free agent market is a bear market: If the Titans were looking to replace him, this year would as good as any since the market is surprisingly depressed with the influx of young cheap talent outside of the top two of Wallace and Welker. The draft class is well stocked enough to the point that the Titans could theoretically wait until the second or third round and get a good one like a Quinton Patton, Stedman Bailey or a Markus Wheaton.

If reports of Washington mailing it in late in year are to be believed, the reasons to trade/cut him grow exponentially. The Titans are clearly looking to upgrade their receiver corps with the news that they gave a look to Wes Welker and scheduled a visit with Brandon Gibson (he ultimately signed with Miami). If they don't sign a receiver, then look for one in the draft. I'm sorry to see Washington being gone potentially but it is what it is. If a trade partner actually develops then more power to Webster for at least listening. As for a potential deal, this could be baseline of what the Titans can expect:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Eagles acquire WR Arrelious Benn and a 7th rd pick this year from Tampa Bay for a 6th round pick in 2013 and a conditional pick in 2014.</p>&mdash; Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/312667931110690816">March 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
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